Classic in Connecticut

February 21, 2018

Built in 1932, this brick Colonial in New Canaan, Connecticut is an absolute dream! Filled with cheerful chintz and tasteful blue and white, this classic home is truly timeless in style. Louise Brooks of Brooks & Falotico and her husband Ned purchased the home in 1985 when Louise was just beginning her architectural career. The house was “very charming but very tired” at the time, and over the years Louise has lovingly brought it back to life and into the 21st century without sacrificing historic charm. Modifications include appropriation and extension of the existing garage to encompass a new kitchen and butler’s pantry. The old kitchen was incorporated into the dining room, and a new covered porch made possible by extending the old garage. Louise also designed a new master suite with a balcony overlooking the terraced backyard, and a screened porch she once used as a glassed-in office was converted (again) to a terrific family/television room. Photography by Jeff McNamara, writing by Amy Elbert, and production by Bonnie Maharam for Traditional Home.

With the exception of the mantel, the living room is little changed since Louise and Ned bought the house 26 years ago. Louise describes the room as having “old comfort.” The fireplace’s Delft tiles were carried back from Europe after World War I by the home’s original owner.

With just a few changes to the home’s interior, Louise has made it “lovely and livable.” The chintz is Althea (Hollyhock) by Lee Jofa.

The family/TV room, which was originally a screened porch, became a home office when Louise went back to work full-time. Then, when she moved her office, it became a place where her teenagers could relax and enjoy privacy while entertaining their friends.

The new kitchen is a bright, breezy mix of Delft tile, gray-veined white marble, and creamy white cabinets.

When she designed the new kitchen, Louise also added a pantry. Fashioned for utility, it still offers plenty of charm with its glass-front cabinets, honed marble counters, and a dish rack to display Louise’s delft china.

The kitchen’s dining area opens to the new covered porch.

A bright and sunny seating area off the kitchen boasts a Rumford fireplace designed with a herringbone brick pattern.

The new mantel is detailed with fluted columns and dentil molding. The surround is Delft tile.

The new covered porch is a favorite spot for dining and entertaining.

The Brookses built their new master bedroom suite over the kitchen but extended it farther into the backyard to create a covered porch below it. Now French doors lead out to a balcony overlooking the terraced garden Louise designed.

Another view of the master suite shows the ceiling detail.

Clustered columns frame the covered porch and support the deck off the master bedroom.

Louise designed a whimsical built-in birdhouse in the eave over the garage. She also terraced the backyard and breathed new life into the gardens.

To see more, please visit Traditional Home online. I wish I knew the date of original publication, if anyone knows, please send me a note and I will update! What do you love most about this beautiful home?

She did a wonderful job. Love the new fireplace and veranda with balcony upstairs. It’s a lovely house. The fenestration is particularly nice. Makes all the difference in the world. I wonder whether the windows are original?

I received an email from Ned Brooks this morning, and he thinks the feature was originally published in 2004. There is some confusion on the timeline currently on the Traditional Home website… They may have updated some of the dates and ages of the children when they posted the feature online.

The pictures are tight and give the feel of a small home, or that the look could be accomplished in a small home. I knew it had to be a large house, but it feels so comfortable and not overdone. The fact that it grew and changed with them should comfort us all. Just plain lovely!